In our latest article, we look closely at the role of fire-safe entrance matting for compliance in healthcare settings.
In any healthcare setting, safety and hygiene are fundamental. Infection control and fire safety dominate these discussions, with the correct entrance matting playing a crucial part. High-performance, fire-safe entrance mats maintain compliance, improve hygiene and reduce operational risks within the health sector.
The role of entrance matting in healthcare settings
In Entrance matting solutions for NHS hospitals and clinics, we discussed how contaminants can quickly spread through a setting via both foot- and wheeled-traffic where there is no effective entrance matting system.
Entrance matting prevents contaminants reaching internal flooring, allowing healthcare settings to:
• Reduce slip hazards and accidents
• Maintain cleaner floors throughout the building
• Improve infection control standards
• Lower cleaning and maintenance costs
Flooring systems that actively support safety and hygiene are essential components of risk management for healthcare settings, within strict UK regulatory frameworks.
Fire safety compliance in healthcare settings
Fire safety regulations are strict in healthcare settings, as they are in transport environments, and flooring materials must meet stringent fire performance standards to limit smoke production and toxic emissions during a fire.
At EMS Ltd., we have engineered a specialist matting system, The EMS LU/Multi-Track system, using low-smoke, low-toxic-fume materials. The EMS LU Section 12 entrance matting system incorporates a natural rubber infill developed specifically to produce low smoke and reduced toxic fumes while maintaining high durability.
Originally designed for demanding environments such as the London Underground—where safety requirements are among the strictest in the UK—this technology demonstrates how advanced entrance matting can support compliance in high-risk public spaces.
Healthcare environments benefit from similar performance characteristics, ensuring that flooring systems do not contribute to smoke or hazardous emissions during an emergency.
Anti-bacterial and hygiene benefits of entrance matting
• Infection control is a constant priority in healthcare facilities, but entrance matting contributes by reducing the amount of dirt and contaminants that are carried into the building.
• Where entrance matting systems feature integrated debris channels, dirt is trapped beneath the walking surface, and not transferred further into the building.
• When effective entrance matting systems reduce the spread of dirt and bacteria, internal flooring stays cleaner and bacteria is less likely to be spread around a facility. In healthcare settings, this is of paramount importance.
• A combination of robust cleaning protocols and effective matting systems maintains hygienic healthcare environments.
Durable entrance matting for high-traffic environments
Entrance flooring must be capable of handling extremely high levels of wear in environments that operate round the clock.
Heavy-duty systems such as the EMS LU Section 12 Multi‑Track Entrance Matting System are engineered specifically for high-footfall environments. With aluminium extrusions and durable rubber inserts, the system provides long-term structural reliability while delivering strong slip resistance. Its integrated drainage channels prevent the build-up of surface water and debris, improving overall safety.
For more information, read Why use aluminium grid entrance matting in healthcare settings?
How entrance matting systems support healthcare compliance
Entrance matting systems support the objectives of fire safety, infection control and workplace safety as outlined in regulatory standards by:
• Improving slip resistance and reducing accident risk
• Minimising contaminants entering clinical spaces
• Supporting fire safety compliance with low-smoke materials
• Enhancing accessibility for wheelchairs, trolleys and mobility aids
• Reducing maintenance demands across the facility
When specified correctly, entrance matting becomes an important component of a facility’s broader safety and compliance strategy.
Healthcare applications for entrance matting
The applications for entrance matting within the healthcare sector are varied and can include, but are not restricted to:
• Hospital main entrances and emergency departments
• Clinic and GP surgery reception areas
• Care home entrances and communal spaces
• Ambulance bays and service entrances
• Staff entrances and internal transition zones
Entrance matting for healthcare settings from EMS Ltd.
With over 25 years’ experience in the entrance matting sector, EMS Ltd. understands regulatory requirements, performance specifications and long-term durability.
When you choose EMS Ltd, you will have:
• Technical expertise
• Support with specification
• Rigorously tested products
• Sustainable, high-quality materials
• Custom sizes and installation flexibility
The EMS LU/Multi-Track entrance matting system, was developed and manufactured in the UK and features recycled aluminium with specialist rubber infills. When specified for healthcare settings, the EMS LU Section 12 ensures buildings remain safe, compliant and ready to handle the demands of modern healthcare environments.
Contact us
For fire-safe entrance matting for your healthcare setting, contact us by telephone on 01205 761757 or email at info@entrance-matting.com
